I was delighted to read this morning that President Obama has named Miguel Diaz as the new US Ambassador to the Holy See. Diaz is a Catholic theologian at St. John’s University Seminary and member of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. He’s written extensively on systematic theology – particularly Trinitarian theology – and about theology from a Latino/a perspective.
From the news story:
The Roman Catholic theologian from Minnesota nominated as U.S. ambassador to the Vatican is a “gifted bridge-builder” whose ability “to bring people together for spirited discussions and honest interchanges” would serve him well in the highly sensitive role, a colleague said Wednesday night. . . .
“I am very honored, grateful, and humbled that President Obama has nominated me to serve as ambassador to the Holy See. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, I will continue the work of my predecessors and build upon 25 years of formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See. I wish to be a bridge between our nation and the Holy See.”
His colleagues have a lot of nice things to say about him as well…
“The College of Saint Benedict is enormously proud that Miguel has been nominated by President Obama for this important post,” said MaryAnn Baenninger, president of the College of Saint Benedict. “Miguel is a highly-respected theologian and scholar, and an excellent teacher. Most importantly, he has a deep commitment to Catholic social justice and to inclusiveness in the Catholic Church. He truly lives a life of faith. He is the ideal candidate for this post.”
Congratulations, Prof. Diaz. We’re sure you’ll do a great job.
